How To Come Up With & Choose An Artist Name

An artist name is a pseudonym adopted by a musician. Its primary purpose is to make an artist recognizable in the music world and distinguishable from other creatives. The artist name plays a central role in a musician’s public identity and is often chosen deliberately as part of their marketing or branding strategy.

A distinctive, engaging pseudonym can draw in potential fans, whereas a poorly chosen one can fail to engage them or, at worst, scare them away. Since it will be used by fans, critics, and the media, it should be chosen thoughtfully and resonate on a personal, professional, and long-term level. So, how do you choose an artist name, and what are some common approaches?

Broadly speaking, an artist name can be either a real/real-sounding name or an abstract pseudonym. To gain some initial direction, look into the types of names chosen by artists within your genre and stylistic direction. For example, metal artists commonly select abstract names in line with dark themes, evoking a specific atmosphere and signaling genre associations. Electronic music DJs and producers often choose unique names, ranging from cryptic to eccentric and funny. While you absolutely do not have to adhere to genre standards, this approach can help generate ideas.

Let’s look into the two main types of artist names.

Using one’s first name, last name, or both is especially common among vocalists. Although relatively simple, this approach can be quite powerful as it merges the private with the public persona, bringing the artist into clear focus. It also fosters a closer, more personal bond between the musician and their fans, who engage with a real name rather than an abstract pseudonym. Many successful artists across all genres have employed this approach. Among them are pop star Britney (Jean) Spears, singer Kehlani (Kehlani Ashley Parrish), classical music composer Mohammed Fairouz, and electronic music producer and DJ Carl Craig.

Some may find this approach too personal and prefer to separate their private and public lives. Fortunately, alternatives exist. One option is to blend elements of one’s real name with an alias, as seen with Brent Faiyaz (Christopher Brent Wood). His pseudonym is a combination of his middle name and the Arabic name Faiyaz, which was suggested to him by a Muslim friend. Another method is to choose a pseudonym that resembles a real name but is entirely fictional. Among such artists is Christopher Breaux, better known as Frank Ocean. His stage name references Frank Sinatra and the 1960 film Ocean’s 11.

Despite the benefits, this approach has certain downsides. The name might come across as too generic, and it may be more challenging to trademark an artist name that closely resembles a real name. Additionally, if the name is relatively common, it could hinder your marketing efforts and make it harder to stand out.

Coming up with an artist name that does not resemble a real name can be more challenging, but it also offers greater creative freedom. Here are some strategies to help you get started.

As previously mentioned, examining the themes and approaches to names common within your (sub)genre can be a helpful starting point. Another method is to consider the key aspects of your brand, including your archetype, the themes you address, and the emotions you aim to evoke. The following concrete examples will hopefully provide you with more direction.

Known for her boldness and eccentricity, Lady Gaga has chosen an artist name that perfectly reflects her unique artistry. In contrast, the cryptic names of artists like Drexciya and VC-118A align with their obscure and complex sound. Hip-hop artists such as Ice Spice and Future are well-established in contemporary popular culture, bringing a modern, smooth, yet playful energy to their names. Meanwhile, artists like Trxy!, Novulent, and Nyxjvh fall into the ‘mysterious artists’ category—sonically, visually, and in their names.

Of course, such characteristics are rarely static, and names do not always immediately convey a music style or theme, so do not feel pressured to stay strictly in line with your brand identity.

Another approach is to look into elements of your identity. These can include your cultural or religious background, personality traits, nicknames given by friends or family, or places that hold significance for you, such as your city. For example, DJ and producer Detroit in Effect chose a name that honors Detroit, his hometown, and the birthplace of techno. Meanwhile, Jerry Calliste Jr. adopted the artist name Hashim after converting from Christianity to Islam. Alternatively, you could get inspired by something you enjoy, such as your favorite color or movie.

Still struggling to find the right name? In that case, an online name generator might be helpful. Such tools can spark inspiration and may even provide you with a name you like. They are especially useful if you already have some ideas, as most allow you to type in specific letters, words, or phrases.

Alternatively, consider asking AI for help. Write a short prompt including all the relevant details, and the AI will generate some potential names. You can then refine and further readjust the text until you land on something you genuinely like. Here is a potential prompt:

“I’m a (profession, e.g., producer, singer) who makes (genre) music. I’m currently trying to come up with an (adjective, e.g., mysterious) artist name for my music career. I want people to associate it with (emotion, setting, mood) and include (words, letters, etc.). Could you please generate a list with 20 possible names?”

You can also ask friends and acquaintances for their opinions and ideas.

Do you finally have a solid selection of potential names? Before celebrating this step in your music career, it is crucial to check whether your preferred artist name is available or already taken.

Search for it on key platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Make sure you also check the most important social media platforms regarding your name’s availability. Additionally, run a search engine check by enclosing your name in quotation marks (“your name”) for a final confirmation. We also recommend checking trademark databases, as using a name that is already trademarked (or too similar to a protected one) can ultimately lead to legal issues.

If your chosen name is already taken, the general rule of thumb applies: do not use other artist’s names. Not only is this unfair to the original creator, but it can also lead to complications down the line. Issues arise when the other artist suddenly gains more visibility or when they decide to trademark their name. Moreover, people may search for your music online only to end up finding someone else, which would also undermine your promotional efforts.

That said, a real name that is relatively common is likely to be shared by multiple artists, thus falling into a gray area. In this case, stylizing it might help you stand out from the crowd by making a name look more interesting and recognizable. When stylizing your name, avoid using symbols that are not supported across all relevant platforms, as this could hinder your online presence. Additionally, keep in mind that overly complex stylization might confuse potential fans when they try to search for your music or recommend it to friends and acquaintances.

Lastly and most importantly, choose a name you genuinely like and connect with. Do not let genre standards or worries about ‘doing it right’ intimidate you. In the end, it is about your music and your creativity!